Vons Bargain Meal of the Week

Philly Cheesesteaks

1.5 lbs Beef Top Round London Broil $2.50
2 Filone Artisan Bread (cut in half) $1.98
4 oz (1/2 package) White Mushrooms $1.00
12 slices American cheese $2.00
TOTAL $7.48

All right, so the cheese is a TOTAL budget buster on this one! But the other ingredients are a great price. You don't HAVE to use American cheese. I also like Provolone or you can use whatever you have on hand!

Follow the directions here.



More Bargain Meals can be found at $5 Dinners!

Vons Bargain Meal of the Week

And I'm back! Thanks to three calls to the post office, I finally received my grocery fliers today -- a day late, but I'm glad to have them!

Barbecue Chicken Legs with Corn, Cucumber Salad and Popsicles


Shopping List:
3 lbs Safeway Chicken Leg Quarters $2.31
4 ears of White Corn $1.00
1/4 cup Kraft BBQ sauce ($1.25 for bottle) $.15
4 Popsicle Novelty Treats ($3.50 for box of 24) $.60
2 large cucumbers $1.58
TOTAL: $5.64

Grill up the leg quarters and baste with barbecue sauce. Grill or boil corn. Peel and slice cucumbers. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Enjoy a Popsicle on a hot summer night!

You can find more ideas for a bargain meal at $5 Dollar Dinners!

Vons and Albertsons Bargain Meal of the Week

About 3 weeks ago, we moved. Great. Cool. Since we moved, I have not received even ONE weekly grocery sales flier. NOT ONE! I decided that missing three weeks in a row was definitely not a fluke so I called the post office today and hopefully everything is straightened out (turns out we have a new mail carrier so who knows what is going on).

Hopefully I will be back providing bargain meals next week (keep your fingers crossed!). I did go on-line to check out the weekly ads electronically (UGH). I did notice that Vons has London Broil for $1.67/lb. Pair that with some potatoes from the 10 lb bag for $1.99 and a Fresh Express salad kit for $1 (I think that's right) and you have a nice meal for under $5. Albertsons has whole chickens for $.59/lb -- STOCK UP!

I'm hoping to be up and running next week. Until then -- happy shopping!

Vons And Albertsons Bargain Meal of the Week

I am taking a break from BMOW because we are in the process of MOVING!! I should be up and running again in a week or two! Until then, find lots of ideas at $5 Dinners!

Vons Bargain Meal of the Week

Crock Pot Swiss Steak with Corn on the Cob and Zucchini

Shopping List:
1.5 lbs Rancher's Reserve Beef Chuck 7 Bone Steak $1.92
2 ears of corn $.80
1/2 lb green zucchini $.50
1 Vidalia onion $.50
Total: $3.72

Serve swiss steak with 1/2 ear of corn on the cob for each person (menu assumes 4 people). Peel and slice zucchini. Saute with onion in about a tablespoon of olive oil until soft. Season with salt and pepper.


Crock-pot Swiss Steak

3 tablespoons Gold Medal all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 pounds beef boneless round, tip or chuck steak -- cut into 6 pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion -- sliced
1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes -- undrained
2 cloves garlic -- finely chopped

Mix flour, mustard and salt. Coat beef with flour mixture. Heat oil in 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook beef in oil about 15 minutes, turning once, until brown. Place beef in 3 1/2 to 6 quart slow cooker; top with onion and bell pepper. Mix tomatoes and garlic; pour over beef and vegetables. Cover and cook on low heat setting 7 to 9 hours or until beef is tender.

Vons Bargain Meal of the Week

Chicken On A Stick, Corn on the Cob, Baked Beans

Shopping List:
1.5 lbs Fresh Safeway Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs $3.00
1 can Bush's Baked Beans $1.33
2 ears of corn (each person gets 1/2 an ear) $.80
Total: $5.13

Follow this recipe for the chicken (you can just skip the asparagus). If you don't have sesame oil, you can skip it, but it does add great flavor. I always skip the sesame seeds. The dip is scrumptious, if you feel like making it!

Enjoy!

Vons Bargain Meal of the Week

Shopping List:
1 Foster Farms Whole Chicken $4.00
2 ears of corn $1.00
2 cucumbers $1.00
Total: $6.00

You can do a Crock Pot Rotisserie Chicken or roast the chicken in the oven
. Each person gets 1/2 of an ear of corn.

Make a cucumber salad: slice up the cucumbers and drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper or Italian dressing and let sit for about an hour. Or add in some onions, sour cream and dill.

Vons Bargain Meal of the Week

Tacos with Guacamole

Shopping List:
1 lb Ground Beef $.99
(sold in a 3 lb roll)
1 package Mission Tortillas $1.25
1/4 head of lettuce $.25
Toppings:
1/2 jar of salsa $1.25
1 package Mission Tortillas $1.25
1/2 lb Lucerne shredded cheese $1.25
1 ripe avocado
Total: $5.76

Use this recipe to season meat after browning.

Follow the directions here for fresh, homemade guacamole! If you don't have fresh garlic around, just add in some garlic powder or garlic salt.

Vons Bargain Meal of the Week

Pasta with Sauce (You Pick!); Sauteed Zuchini, Summer Squash, and Onions

Shopping List:
1 jar of Classico Pasta Sauce (try the Alfredo for something different) $2.00
1 box Safeway pasta FREE (WOO HOO!)
1 lb green zucchini and yellow squash $1.00
1 Texas Sweet Onion $.30
Total: $3.30

In order to do this meal you will need to buy 2 Classico Pasta Sauces for $2 each and you will get 2 boxes of Safeway Pasta for FREE.

For the veggies: peel and slice zucchini and yellow squash. Slice onion in rounds. Heat pan and drizzle about 2 tbsps of olive oil in pan. Start sauteing onions for 3-5 minutes. Add in zucchini and squash. Cook until done.

Vons Bargain Meal of the Week

Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, and Rice

There is nothing like Thanksgiving Dinner in April!

Shopping List:
3.5 lbs HoneySuckle Whole White Turkey Breast $3.46
2 lbs Russet Potatoes $.80
(sold in a 10 lb bag for $3.99)
1 box Rice A Roni $.89
(instead of stuffing)
Total: $5.15

Roast or cook turkey according to directions. Make rice according to box directions. Make your favorite mashed potato recipe. Don't have one? Here's mine:

Dirty Mashed Potatoes

Start a pot of water boiling. Dice potatoes into similar size pieces. I leave the skin on because I like it that way (this is also why they are called "dirty"). Place potatoes in boiling water along with a few cloves of garlic. Cook until potatoes are tender. Strain.

Place potatoes and garlic in a bowl (or in the bowl for your stand mixer). Add in a touch of milk and a half stick of butter (I do this by taste and sight). Start mixing with hand mixer or stand mixer. You can also add in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and/or sour cream. Mix to desired texture. I stir in cheddar cheese at the very end.

Enjoy!

Vons Bargain Meal of the Week

Swedish Meatballs with Sweet Potato Fries

I know, this is a weird combo, but the veggie choices are slim this week. You can substitute a salad for an extra $1.00 if you want!

Shopping List:
1 can Safeway condensed cream of mushroom soup $.99
1 can Safeway condensed cream of chicken soup $.99
1 package Mama Lucia Italian Meatballs $2.75
1 lb Yams $.99
TOTAL: $5.75

Thaw meatballs and place in a lightly greased 2 quart casserole dish. In a separate medium bowl, combine the soups with 1.5 cups of milk, evaporated milk or half and half, stirring until smooth. Pour over the meatballs. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 40 minutes. Serve with rice or noodles if desired.

Slice yams thinly. Place on baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray or drizzle oil over them. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

Visit $5 Dinners for more Bargain Meals of the Week!

Vons Bargain Meal of the Week

So I did not get the sales fliers in my mail this week! Everyone else did, but not me! I hate it when that happens because that means I have to go on-line look. I prefer hard copies.

I just haven't had time to sit down and look at the electronic Vons flier. I was able to peruse it quickly yesterday, but nothing jumped out at me. I promise to be back next week and if I find time today, I'll get something posted for you!

Sorry! Blame it on my mailman....

Vons Bargain Meal of the Week

Pasta with Marinara Sauce, and Green Beans

So my ENTIRE Vons ad is the Mix and Match sale. You must buy 10 items to save the $5, but there are some great deals! Assuming you are doing the sale, here is a meal!

Shopping List:
1 package of Anthony's Pasta (or whatever brand is in the special) $.75
1 can of Hunt's pasta sauce (that was the brand on sale at my store) $.75
2 cans Del Monte Green Beans (again make sure to get the brand on sale) $1.50
Total: $3.00

Well, that's cheap (and super quick and easy)! Repeat that twice (save for later) and add two more products and you are at your 10 items.

Enjoy!

Vons Bargain Meal of the Week

Ribs with Broccoli and Fries

I've posted this recipe before, but it's hard to pass up those $.99/lb ribs!

Shopping List:
3.5 lbs Pork Spareribs $3.47
1/2 Bag Steak Fries $1.50 ($2.99 for the bag)
1/2 lb broccoli $.75
Total: $5.70

Use the recipe here to cook the ribs. If you purchase 10 items in the Mix and Match Sale you can get Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce and a 2 Liter of Pepsi for $.75 each (both needed for the recipe)! You will have leftovers of both. Sweet Baby Rays is our FAVORITE BBQ sauce (I'll probably go buy 10 at that price!). If you sub a Fresh Express salad for the broccoli, you only need 7 more items to reach the 10 needed!

Enjoy!

Vons Bargain Meal of the Week

Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Potatoes

St. Patrick's Day is next week. I always look forward to corned beef and cabbage being on sale for a cheap, delicious, and filling meal.

Shopping List:
3 lbs Safeway Corned Beef Points $2.97
1 head of cabbage $.45
1 lb red Gourment Potatoes $1.50
(sold in a 2lb bag for $2.99)
TOTAL: $4.92

I usually cook my corned beef in the Crock Pot. Put corned beef on bottom of Crock Pot. Layer potatoes on top. Cut cabbage in to wedges and put on top of potatoes. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours. You can add in a bay leaf, peppercorns, and/or onions if you want. Cut the cabbage in to wedges

If you are feeling adventurous, make some soda bread to go along with your meal.

Mary’s Irish-American Soda Bread
(from Mary Hunt, Debt Proof Living)

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3eggs
1 pint sour cream
1 cup dried currants or raisins
1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease two 8-by-4-inch loaf pans. Mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add the eggs, sour cream, currants or raisins and caraway seeds, if desired. Mix until just combined. The batter will be very thick. Distribute batter evenly between the two pans.

Bake loaves at 325 F for 1 hour. Best when served hot right out of the oven, with butter.

Erin Go Bragh!

(That's me in Ireland, Summer 2000)

Vons Bargain Meal of the Week

Sorry I am a bit late this week posting. My parents are in town and we have been busy letting them spoil us!

Crock Pot Brown Sugar Chicken with Rice and steamed carrots

Shopping List
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts $2.70
(sold in a 4lb bag for $7.16)
1/4 cup 7-UP $.14
(sold as a 2 liter for $1.25)
1 package Knorr Lipton Sides $.88
(use store coupon in the flyer)
1/2 lb Eating Right Baby Peeled Carrots $.75
(sold in a 2lb bag for $3)
Total: $4.47

The Crock Pot Brown Sugar Chicken is compliments of Stephanie from "A Year of CrockPotting" Blog and is found here. Prepare Knorr rice side dish according to directions on package. Steam or microwave carrots.

I seem to keep using recipes with soy sauce! Honestly, I don't use it that often!

Vons Bargain Meal of the Week

Oven Fried Chicken, Baked Potatoes, and Asparagus

Shopping List:
3 lbs Foster Farms Chicken Breast Halves $2.91
1 lb asparagus $.99
1 lb russet potatoes (4 potatoes) $.20 (10 lb bag is $1.97)
(I'm guessing on how much the potatoes weigh/cost! But it will be cheap!)
TOTAL: $4.10

(Also, pick up a 2 liter of Pepsi for free, a pound of cream cheese for $.99 and a box of Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats or Raisin Bran for $.99. Total for your dinner items plus these will be about $8. Use coupons in the circular, which you can find at the front of the store! There is a $10 minimum, but that is the total BEFORE you use the coupons!)

I would start the potatoes first. I wash them, poke holes in them, coat them in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and the wrap in foil. I bake them in whatever pan they fit in (a small cake pan usually). Turn the oven to 350 degrees and pop them in while you prep the chicken.

Oven Fried Chicken

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with foil (saves with clean up later!). Lightly grease pan. In a bowl or gallon storage bag combine:

1 cup bread crumbs (or crushed rice crisp cereal or crushed corn flakes)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt (celery salt is good if you have it)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
(or any combo of spices that you like!)

Dip chicken in water, egg, egg whites, milk, or mayo (whatever you have or prefer).
Place chicken in bowl/bag and coat with breading.
Place chicken in pan and bake for 45 minute or until juices run clear.

You can steam, saute or roast the asparagus. This is one of my favorite ways to cook it. I also roast it at about 400 degrees, drizzled in olive oil and seasoned with salt an pepper, for about 15 minutes. If you want to do this, turn the heat up on the oven after the chicken is done and cook the asparagus then. Or if you have a toaster oven, you can cook it in there!

Enjoy!

Vons Bargain Meal of the Week

Pot Roast, Veggies, and French Bread

Shopping List:

3 lbs Rancher's Reserve Beef Chuck 7-Bone Pot Roast $4.11
1 1lb bag Eating Right Baby Peeled Carrotts (use 1/2 bag) $.50
1 1/2 lb OSO Sweet Yellow Onion $.64
1 Safeway Select Artisan French Bread $1.25
TOTAL: $6.50

Last time I bought a 7-Bone pot roast I made Hungarian Beef Stew. It was awesome mostly because the meat was so tender. I promised myself next time these went on sale, we'd have pot roast!

There are about a million ways to make pot roast. This recipe is my favorite. Here is a whole list of ways to make one in the Crock Pot. My sister buys the McCormick seasoning packets and I love that one, too! Of course, you can always just dump in the Crock Pot with the veggies, and add in a packet of some soup (usually onion, but be brave and use whatever spices you have on hand!).

The carrots and onions are to be cooked with the roast -- using whatever method you choose.

Enjoy!

Vons Bargain Meal of the Week

Balsamic Chicken Drumettes with Zucchini and Rice

I do not usually spend a lot of time or money at Vons. They tend to be extremely pricey compared to other stores in my area. I think they've figured that out, though, because recently they've had a lot of great store coupons and incentives (follow the link to see the deals I got last week). I noticed a lot of store coupons in this week's flier so you may want to check it out. You do need a $10 minimum purchase for the coupons. I would buy some extra chicken -- that's good price!

Note: I always have soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, and honey in my pantry. You could just skip the honey and garlic if you don't have it. You can substitute the following:
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce mixed with 1/2 tablespoon water
Balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinaigrette; another vinegar; or maybe Italian dressing
Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup white sugar plus 1/8 cup molasses and decrease the liquid in recipe by 1/8 cup OR 1/2 cup white sugar OR 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar

Start your chicken marinating the night before and pop in the oven when you're ready to cook!

Shopping List:
3 lbs Safeway Chicken Drumsticks $2.64
1 lb green zucchini squash $1.29
1 Uncle Ben's Ready Rice $2.00
Total: $5.93
(additional items in recipe are estimated at around $1.00, but probably less)

Balsamic Chicken Drumettes
by Giada de Laurentis (and adapted for our list!)

* 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
* 1/2 cup honey
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 5 sprigs of rosemary (OPTIONAL)
* 5 garlic cloves, halved
* 10 to 12 chicken drumsticks

Directions
Combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, rosemary sprigs, and garlic cloves, in a large, re-sealable plastic bag (or plastic container or glass bowl). Shake and squeeze the contents of the bag to dissolve the honey and the brown sugar. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bag and seal with as little air as possible in the bag. Place in the refrigerator and marinate for 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Place the chicken drumsticks on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake until the skin is caramelized and very dark in spots, about 30 to 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the marinade in a small saucepan. Bring the marinade to a boil (in order to kill bacteria). Reduce the heat to simmer and cook over low heat until thick, about 15 minutes.

When the chicken is done, ese a pastry brush to brush some of the cooked marinade on the cooked chicken.

You have some options with the zucchini. I would probably slice it up and throw it in a frying pan with some onion, olive oil, salt and pepper (add in some balsamic vinegar if you want). Sprinkle with any cheese you have on hand just before serving. You could also steam it or just slice it up and throw it in the microwave.

Make rice according to directions.

Enjoy!